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I like this signing as long as they considered Josh Harding first and determined he would cost too much (assets or money). Harding has the tools to challenge Mason as the starter, whereas Conklin is what he is - a solid backup.

BSNoseblunt wrote:I like this signing as long as they considered Josh Harding first and determined he would cost too much (assets or money). Harding has the tools to challenge Mason as the starter, whereas Conklin is what he is - a solid backup.

Well and we don't need anyone to challenge the starter this year. We saw how that experiment turned out last year. We needed a solid backup and that's exactly what we got. I also like how he signed a 2 year deal. Which means if Mason doesn't resign then we have 1/2 of a solid tandem in line to split duties as we ease a young guy into the starter's role.

BSNoseblunt wrote:I like this signing as long as they considered Josh Harding first and determined he would cost too much (assets or money). Harding has the tools to challenge Mason as the starter, whereas Conklin is what he is - a solid backup.

Well and we don't need anyone to challenge the starter this year. We saw how that experiment turned out last year. We needed a solid backup and that's exactly what we got. I also like how he signed a 2 year deal. Which means if Mason doesn't resign then we have 1/2 of a solid tandem in line to split duties as we ease a young guy into the starter's role.

I disagree. Harding is the type of young goaltender that could be eased into a starting role. Why not try that option during the last year of Mason's contract? I'm not saying Conklin is a bad signing, but he's not a guy that has any future with the team in a role other than backup.

BSNoseblunt wrote:I disagree. Harding is the type of young goaltender that could be eased into a starting role. Why not try that option during the last year of Mason's contract? I'm not saying Conklin is a bad signing, but he's not a guy that has any future with the team in a role other than backup.

Because Harding is going to cost you a.) roster players or b.)draft picks. He's not a UFA, so there will be some type of compensation involved. Obviously Minnesota wanted more than we were willing to offer. Plus we've got two young goalies (Bishop, Allen) that will be ready soon anyhow.

BSNoseblunt wrote:I disagree. Harding is the type of young goaltender that could be eased into a starting role. Why not try that option during the last year of Mason's contract? I'm not saying Conklin is a bad signing, but he's not a guy that has any future with the team in a role other than backup.

Because Harding is going to cost you a.) roster players or b.)draft picks. He's not a UFA, so there will be some type of compensation involved. Obviously Minnesota wanted more than we were willing to offer. Plus we've got two young goalies (Bishop, Allen) that will be ready soon anyhow.

Just like Schartz, Barulin, Bachs....Cash, etc...

Ultimately I agree with you. It sounds like we kicked the tires on Harding and he was just too costly in terms of players/picks. If that was the case, good on JD for not panicking and overpaying (while making a very good signing to boot).

But to count on Allen or Bishop to be our GOTF is folly until he's actually doing it.

[Aode] 10:34 pm: well, if I find cornhole anywhere, I'll try it and let you know

It could always be worse, I could be a Cubs fan. (But please, if you could spare me the parallels between the respective organizations, I'd really appreciate it).